Known for its plethora of ancient ruins, whitewashed villages, sunny beaches, tasty cuisine and friendly atmosphere, it is no wonder that Greece ranks among Europe’s top travel destinations. Greece is made up of a mountainous mainland and hundreds of islands where each one offers its own share of stunning landscapes, historic sites, nightlife scenes and cultural delights. An overview of the best places to visit in Greece:
Situated at the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula, Cape Sounion is best known as the site of the ruins of the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon, the god of the sea. The remains are perched on the headland, surrounded on three sides by the sea. The site is a popular day-excursion for tourists from Athens, with sunset over the Aegean Sea, as viewed from the ruins, a sought-after spectacle.
Where to Stay Thessaloniki Attractions Tours & Activities
Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city and the capital city of the Macedonian region of Northern Greece. Lively festivals, social events and a buzzing nightlife make this city the cultural capital of Greece. Comprised of a historic city center and commercial district, Thessaloniki offers both old and new attractions from its Byzantine walls, White Tower and Turkish baths to colorful food markets, museums and art galleries. Thessaloniki’s nightlife is unmatched. From small tavernas to nightclubs and other entertainment venues, Thessaloniki offers it all.
wikipedia/Nikos A. Kanellopoulos
Zagori is a region of great natural beauty, with striking geology and two national parks, in northwestern Greece. It’s dense forests and rugged mountains are furrowed by powerful rivers and dotted with traditional villages, many featuring grand stone houses dating from the late eighteenth century. The best way to enjoy the area is by hiking the numerous paths connecting the villages. The most accessible and rewarding target is the wonderful Víkos Gorge.
flickr/someone10xHalkidiki is a trident-like peninsula near the city of Thessaloniki, sporting excellent beaches. The three separate peninsulas can be roughly summarized as follows: Kassandra has the nightlife, Sithonia has the beaches and Athos has the monks. Being closest to Thessaloniki, Kassandra is more built-up, while the more quiet Sithonia has campgrounds, hidden coves and clear waters. Both are popular with Greek and Eastern European tourists. Much of the easternmost peninsula belongs to the Mount Athos monastic community. It’s accessible by boat and open to male pilgrims only.
Peloponnese Destinations Tours & Activities
flickr/Visit GreeceShaped much like a large leaf, Peloponnese was traditionally called Morea, which means mulberry leaf. Located in the southernmost region of both Europe and Greece, Peloponnese is a wide peninsula connected to the mainland by the Rio-Antirrio bridge. Interspersed with classical Greek temples, Venetian fortresses, Byzantine churches and Mycenaean palaces, Peloponnese echoes the ancient cultures and events from its extensive history. Among these ancient ruins is Olympia, where the first Olympic Games were hosted in honor of Zeus.
Where to Stay Tours & Activities
flickr/thebaldwinSecond to the Acropolis in Athens, Delphi is Greece’s most popular archaeological site. Located about two and half hours from Athens along the slopes of the awe-inspiring Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once revered by the ancient Greeks as the center of the earth. Dedicated to the god, Apollo, Delphi was an important oracle. In ancient times, people would come to this sacred spot to inquire of the priestess for advice on a wide range of topics from farming to relationships and politics. Significant ruins and structures at Delphi include the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Treasury, the theater and hippodrome that once hosted events of the ancient Pythian Games.
Where to Stay Meteora Monasteries Tours & Activities
The Greek word meteora means “suspended in the air,” and this phrase aptly describes the spectacular cliffs that rise more than 1,200 feet (366 meters) into the air overlooking the villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki in the north central mainland of Greece. What makes these cliffs even more inspiring are the historic monasteries perched along the summits. Dating back to the 14th and 16th centuries, the monasteries at Meteora were built by monks seeking spiritual isolation and freedom from religious persecution.
Where to Stay Crete Attractions Tours & Activities
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is a spacious land of pleasing contrasts where landscapes range from stunning coastline to rugged mountains and rolling countryside dotted with olive trees. Bustling metropolitan cities spread beyond to quiet villages centered around outdoor coffee shops. Steeped in history, Crete still bears archaeological traces of the many civilizations that inhabited it down through the centuries.
Where to Stay Athens Attractions Tours & Activities
flickr/hermenpacaInhabited for more than 3,000 years, Athens is widely known as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. The city presents a confusing blend of historical and modern features. Athens is famous for its archaeological ruins and monuments such as the famous Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora and the Theatre of Dionysos just to name a few. However, Athens is not just about ancient ruins. This bustling city is also an important center for business, culture and nightlife.
flickr/Ben124.The beautiful and exotic Greek islands lure droves of tourists every year, making them one of the world’s top travel destinations. With more than 2,000 islands to choose from they may initially be bewildered by their number and variety. From gorgeous beaches, ancient ruins, colorful harbors and active volcanoes the Greek islands have it all.
Part of the Cyclades group, Santorini is among the most picturesque islands and definitely one of the best places to visit in Greece. Also part of the Cyclades, Mykonos features a modern, cosmopolitan society blended with traditional whitewashed houses and maze-like streets. Located in the Aegean Sea near the coast of Turkey, Rhodes is the capital and largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago, popular for its great beaches and historical significance. The northernmost of Greece’s Ionian Islands, Corfu was controlled by many foreign powers, notably the Venetians and British, which is reflected in its culture and the architecture on the island.
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Greece is truly a beautiful place filled with history, culture and breathtaking sights. I would love to see myself waking up with a grand view at Meteora.
Come and visit Lesvos island.
I would love to see Delphi and Athens for myself.
I wanna visit Greece with my hubby for our honeymoon…:)
Loved Corfu and Delphi. Piraeus not so much. Tomorrow in Athens. Will let you know
Greece is not only about beaches and history. There are some hidden gems that are waiting to be explored, You can hike at Zagori mountain as it mentioned, or trekking at Neda river, or cannoning at Samothrace island, or biking in islands or even skiing during the winter! Many and nice choices!
Just recently returned from our first visit to Greece. Did a full day in Athen and then a night in Santorini and a week on the beach at Agios Prokopios on Naxos. Loved every bit of it. Naxos in particular is a perfect blend of beautiful beach, and intimate village with really wonderful restaurants. Quiet, more suited to those looking for a very relaxing visit.
My wife and I visit Loutraki of Corinth on a regular basis; Beautiful seaside and clean waters to swim in. Easy access to Athens and to Peloponese. Nafplion is also another beautiful city to visit. Ancient Corinth is interesting. Epidavros amphiteater is an architectural wonder because the acoustics are excellent without use of modern electronics.
There are so many other beautiful places to visit in Greece too.
What about Kastoria 52100 in north-west Macedonia ??
It is one of the most beautiful towns of Greece.
I have always dreamed of going to Greece! I love the white buildings and gorgeous blue seas. I’m a huge fan of Ancient Greek mythology so I really want to visit Delphi and Athens!
i cant wait to visit Greece during the summer…it will be my first time… i am so excited to visit all these beautiful lslands….
went to Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Delos and Crete last year… one of the best vacations I’ve ver been on!!!
The most beautiful was the island of Crete. Don’t miss it!
My parents were from Greece & we visited many times to visit my relatives. Greece is amazing as is the people food & sights. A must visit country
Visited Greece with family last November. I fell in love with Greece after this trip. We visited Athens, Crete and Santorini. In Athens we stayed in Plaka and Monastiraki . Both are very central and close to all the sights. Crete is beautiful and a must see island. Santorini is another amazing Island. I would love to visit Greece again in future.
I’ll be in Greece for 2 weeks to visit my mom and I’ll try to see most of the country, been there once in Athens and it’s gorgeous. Can’t wait to go back .
Flying from Florida it’s little long flight but so worthy.